Edwards, a co-owner of Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, had served on the TDC since 2009. His term was set to expire at the end of the year.

The open seat, which carries a four-year term, is set aside for a county resident directly involved in a non-lodging, tourism-related business.

O’Byrne said an applicant’s interest in serving “is of paramount importance” to the selection process.

“It has to be somebody who really wants to do this,” he said. “It is a rather rigorous committee. … There’s real statutory responsibility here.”

O’Byrne said applicants also should be familiar with the tourism industry and how the public and private sectors work together to promote the area.

“What has to happen is the TDC has to appoint a committee to review and evaluate every person who applies,” he said. “That committee will take its time … and then make a recommendation.”

The nine-member TDC is expected to name the selection committee at its Jan. 23 meeting.

The Okaloosa County Commission will make the final decision on the appointment.

O’Byrne said the seat should be filled sometime later this spring.

Residents interested in serving on the TDC can submit a letter of interest and a résumé listing any tourism industry experience to the Tourist Development Department at dobyrne@co.okaloosa.fl.us or by mail to Director, Tourist Development Department, 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.

Edwards, a co-owner of Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, had served on the TDC since 2009. His term was set to expire at the end of the year.

The open seat, which carries a four-year term, is set aside for a county resident directly involved in a non-lodging, tourism-related business.

O’Byrne said an applicant’s interest in serving “is of paramount importance” to the selection process.

“It has to be somebody who really wants to do this,” he said. “It is a rather rigorous committee. … There’s real statutory responsibility here.”

O’Byrne said applicants also should be familiar with the tourism industry and how the public and private sectors work together to promote the area.

“What has to happen is the TDC has to appoint a committee to review and evaluate every person who applies,” he said. “That committee will take its time … and then make a recommendation.”

The nine-member TDC is expected to name the selection committee at its Jan. 23 meeting.

The Okaloosa County Commission will make the final decision on the appointment.

O’Byrne said the seat should be filled sometime later this spring.

Residents interested in serving on the TDC can submit a letter of interest and a résumé listing any tourism industry experience to the Tourist Development Department at dobyrne@co.okaloosa.fl.us or by mail to Director, Tourist Development Department, 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.